The challenge
In a 1.4 million sq ft DC, quick access to handheld devices is critical and any delay disrupts the whole operation. New Look's process was manual and open to human error, with excessive walking across the site and queues at peak when deployment drives volume, costing time and money. A market review ruled out virtual lockers on security grounds (a removed battery can bypass the alarm) and GPS for being too imprecise in a warehouse.
The solution
New Look deployed over 400 smart asset lockers across eight key locations, giving staff instant, 24/7 access to the devices they need. What set eLocker apart was tracking not just who opened a locker but exactly which item was taken or returned, using long-range RFID and barcoding, so there is no ambiguity. Integrated in-locker charging keeps devices powered and ready, cutting extra hardware cost. The system was designed bespoke around the layout, processes and needs of the DC.
The result
New Look gained full visibility and control of its device estate, with named accountability on every asset and faster access that takes wait time out of the operation.
Commercial outcome
Faster access and named accountability across 400+ devices, costed per shift
In a DC of this scale the commercial uplift comes from two places: the wait time taken out at the start of every shift across hundreds of devices, and the device loss and damage that named accountability and in-locker charging prevent. In-locker charging also removes the cost of separate charging hardware.
Each warehouse deployment is measured in a value validation report that puts a confirmed annual figure on those savings.
“In our fast-paced distribution centre, we needed a solution that enabled our handheld devices to be tracked and organised within seconds. eLocker helps us reduce wait times for our customers and makes everyday tasks easier to complete.”
